The Sandalwood Beijing MEA welcomes meetings

The new Sandalwood Beijing Marriott Executive Apartments (MEA) is encouraging residents to hold meetings, not only in their units, but in two purpose-built conference venues on the premises as well.

One can accommodate eight persons, the other 25 persons.

The Sandalwood, which takes its name from the Red Sandalwood Museum – the largest private museum in China – is the second MEA in Beijing and fourth in the country for Marriott. It is located minutes away from the China Central Place complex in the Chaoyang area and Beijing subway.

Despite arriving at a time when the city is saturated with hotel options of all categories, Sandalwood MEA’s general manager Chris Shum said a serviced residence has the advantage of offering “long-term guest space and because of this, we can handle market fluctuations better”.

He added: “During a peak season like October, we may not be able to raise the room rates, but at least, we are secure (with a client base) during the low period, winter months.”

The serviced residence is offering an introductory rate from CNY880 (US$128.71) per unit that runs until year-end.

Space and value for money have been cited by customers as compelling reasons to choose a serviced apartment, Shum said, even with the plethora of deluxe properties available in the city. “They’re very definite about what they want – they don’t like to feel cramped, and they crave a home environment.

Shum believed that having some conference facilities, along with the expected amenities of high-tech internet connection, the latest entertainment system, Marriott’s signature Revive Bed and electronic Remote Jack Pack linkage and 24-hour 25m indoor swimming pool and fitness centre among others, helped create an all-under-one-roof ambience that assures residents in a strange city of reliable service.